Read
8If you have good sense,
you will listen and obey;
if all you do is talk foolishly,
you will destroy yourself.
9You will be safe,
if you always do right,
but you will get caught,
if you are dishonest.
10Deceit causes trouble,
and foolish talk
will bring you to ruin.
11The words of good people
are a source of life,
but evil hides behind
the words of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up trouble;
love overlooks the wrongs
that others do.
Reflect
What is good sense depends on your worldview. Good sense to some may mean slight deception in advertising to acquire wealth and please the shareholders. To others it means honesty and integrity, even at the cost of potential sales.
Good sense is a result of good listening. In turn this produces good words that result in good actions as viewed through the lens of a godly worldview. Good words may not make us more money but they will produce life for those who have no hope. Deceitful words will result in hatred, trouble and ruin. Has any of the world’s turmoil, both locally and globally, been a result of good words? How much of your inner turmoil is a result of pushing the envelope with honesty? King David, Solomon’s father, admitted that he was messed up on the inside when he was involved in a deceitful act (Psalm 51). In yesterday’s reading we learned that working hard and doing good results in a good life. Embedded in this is listening, honesty and forgiving.
Respond
Dear Lord, Again I recognize that while other ways may seem more attractive initially, it is your way that produces a harvest of good fruit and a better world for your creation. Give me the strength to be honest in everything. Help me be quick to listen and slow to speak. Again I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ted Seres
Ted Seres received his B.A. in Political Science at McMaster University in Hamilton. He earned an M. Div at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon. He is married to Susan and has two sons: Trenton and Brett. Ted is an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been involved in pastoral ministry including church planting.